Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I find my neighborhood bus stop and schedule?
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The bus schedules are posted on the Bus Schedule page in August. However, you can also find information quickly by going to the new online search tool. Go to the Search Tool.
- If my child's bus is late, how long should he/she wait at the bus stop before contacting the Transportation Department?
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Students should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival time. If the bus is more than 20 minutes late, you should call the Dispatch Center at 571-402-3940. Your calls are important to us and will be answered in the order they are received.
What if there is an emergency transportation-related problem after office hours (5:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m.)?
If there is a problem after regular office hours, call the Risk Management Dispatcher at 703-791-8805. The dispatcher can contact the Transportation Department supervisor who can assist you. You should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with your child's name, school, bus number, and a brief summary of your problem.
- How do I determine if my student will be provided school bus services?
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Daily bus service will be provided for all in-boundary students living in excess of one mile from school. Students eligible for transportation may be required to walk up to one mile to reach their regular bus stop. Transportation is not provided for students living within a school's established walking boundary.
- How are bus stop placements determined?
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The Transportation Department is responsible for routing buses in a manner that maximizes safety and efficiency. The department assesses each stop based on established criteria. The Transportation Department is responsible for conducting safety evaluations of bus stops and recommended walking routes through the assessment of traffic conditions, bus accessibility, walkway design and conditions, as well as other factors such as the time of day and the age of the student.
For efficiency, ride times for students are shorter if buses are kept on main roads and are not sent down every street. Route changes for new students can be more easily accommodated when designated stops are centrally assigned. Minimizing stops also reduces costs for fuel and reduces costs associated with wear and tear of the vehicle.
- My child is a special education student. Who should I speak to concerning his/her transportation?
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The Special Needs section within the Transportation Department does not accept transportation requests over the phone. Transportation requests and changes must be coordinated through the Special Education Department or the administrative office at your child's school.
- If I know my Special Education student is not going to school on a specific day, what should I do?
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You should call the Transportation Customer Service at 571-402-3940.
- My child left an item (e.g., coat, glasses, instrument, retainer, books, etc.) on the bus. How do I get it back?
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Drivers check their buses after every run. If an item is found, it is usually returned to the school at the earliest convenient time or to the student the next morning.
- How can my child get picked up or dropped off at a day care provider's location?
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If the day care provider is located within the attending school's boundary, transportation will be provided.
- How can I arrange to have my child ride a different bus home from school for one day?
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The child's parent or guardian must send a written request to the school principal. If approved, the principal will provide written authorization to the driver of that bus.
- What type of transportation is my child entitled to if he/she attends a Specialty Program (e.g., Cambridge Program, Information Technology Program, International Baccalaureate Program)?
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Express bus service is provided for students enrolled in all Specialty Programs. This service will be provided to and from express bus stops only. Express bus service is also provided for Pennington and Porter Traditional Schools. No neighborhood stops are made. For additional information on express bus service, call 571-402-3916.
- How will a two-hour delay in opening school due to inclement weather impact the bus schedules?
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When there is a two-hour delay in opening school, the high, middle, and elementary school students will be picked up two hours later than usual. For example, if the normal pick-up time is 6:45 a.m., the student will be picked up at 8:45 a.m.
Morning kindergarten and preschool students will ride the elementary/preschool bus to school. The bus will arrive at the bus stop two hours later than usual. Morning kindergarten and preschool students will be dismissed one hour later than the regular schedule. For example, if the normal pick-up time is 8:30 a.m., the student will be picked up at 10:30 a.m. If the normal drop-off time is 12:30 p.m., the drop-off time will be 1:30 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten and preschool students will be picked up one hour later than usual. Afternoon kindergarten and preschool students will ride the elementary/preschool bus home.
If your child attends a special education preschool, contact the school principal for an inclement weather schedule.
When there is a two-hour delay in opening school, morning elementary school tutorials will be canceled.
- How do I arrange for after-school activity bus transportation for my general education or special education child?
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You should contact the principal of your child's school.